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Grills Preserve

4.6
·69 reviews·Westerly, United States

Discover Grills Preserve's easy trails, scenic river views, charming bridges, and historical cemetery. A perfect spot for a relaxed nature escape.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

See active birds and flowers

CrowdLow
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Grills Preserve - Image 1

Grills Preserve

Best Time

Spring mornings

See active birds and flowers

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Grills Preserve's easy trails, scenic river views, charming bridges, and historical cemetery. A perfect spot for a relaxed nature escape.

4.6
(69 reviews)

"A delightful preserve with many well-marked trails, especially nice down by the river."

Vertical photo
TIP

🗺️ Download Offline Maps

Trail layouts can be confusing; download an offline map to avoid getting lost. :iphone:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Easy walking trails are great for all levels, but good shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 69 reviews

Type

Hiking Area

👶 Good for kids🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pawcatuck River Bridges

Pawcatuck River Bridges

Various locations along the river

Discover charming bridges crossing the Pawcatuck River and Tomaquag Brooke, offering scenic views and photo opportunities.

Reddit
Revolutionary War Era Cemetery

Revolutionary War Era Cemetery

Near the trails

Explore an interesting cemetery featuring gravestones of Revolutionary War veterans, adding a historical layer to your visit.

Reddit
Big Hill Overlook

Big Hill Overlook

Big Hill

Enjoy fantastic panoramic views from atop Big Hill, looking south towards the preserve and surrounding landscape.

Reddit
Chase Hill Ridge Forest

Chase Hill Ridge Forest

North side of the river

Wander through an old, bucolic forest on Chase Hill Ridge, boasting a great diversity of large trees and plentiful musclewood.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Trail Navigation Tips

While trails are generally well-marked, some visitors find the map and on-the-ground layout tricky in spots. Consider downloading an offline map or using a GPS app to ensure you stay on track, especially when exploring longer loops. Reddit

Best Footwear for Grills Preserve

Grills Preserve offers easy walking with minimal vertical rise, making it suitable for most skill levels. However, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended for exploring the various trails, especially those near the river. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
See active birds and flowers
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Good light for river views
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall
Why
Beautiful autumn foliage
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🗺️ Download Offline Maps

Trail layouts can be confusing; download an offline map to avoid getting lost. Reddit :iphone:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Easy walking trails are great for all levels, but good shoes are a must for exploring. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Bridges

Don't miss the scenic bridges over the Pawcatuck River and Tomaquag Brooke! Reddit :camerawithflash:

🕰️ Allow 90 Minutes

A 90-minute visit is often enough for a good hike and to see key sights. Reddit :clock1:

Tips

from all over the internet

🗺️ Download Offline Maps

Trail layouts can be confusing; download an offline map to avoid getting lost. Reddit :iphone:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Easy walking trails are great for all levels, but good shoes are a must for exploring. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Bridges

Don't miss the scenic bridges over the Pawcatuck River and Tomaquag Brooke! Reddit :camerawithflash:

🕰️ Allow 90 Minutes

A 90-minute visit is often enough for a good hike and to see key sights. Reddit :clock1:

🌳 Explore Diverse Forests

Discover varied forest ages and types, from clear-cut areas to old-growth forests. Reddit :evergreen_tree:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(69 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Grills Preserve's well-maintained, easy-to-walk trails and the scenic beauty of the Pawcatuck River and its bridges. The historical cemetery and diverse forest ecosystems add unique layers to the experience, making it a delightful spot for a relaxed hike. Some find trail navigation slightly confusing at times, but overall, it's highly recommended for its natural charm and accessibility.

"A delightful preserve with many well-marked trails. The paths down by the river were especially nice. We found it difficult to reconcile the map with on-the-ground trail layout in some parts of the system, but I'd go back. It's easy walking and nicely maintained."

Bob Chapin

"Awesome hike in Westerly. Virtually no vertical rise, so good for all skill levels. Nice views of Pawcatuck River and an interesting cemetery with Revolutionary War era/veteran gravestones. Doable in 90 minutes."

william quirk

"Beautiful preserve and a great place to hike! Hill views from atop Big hill to the south and Chase Hill Ridge to the north.
Lots of cool bridges over the Pawcatuck river and Tomaquag Brooke
Trials are well marked
Forest notes:
Forest age ranges from clear-cut to 100+ years old.
The clear cut area was likely cut for the endangered new england cotton tail rabbit.
Atop Big hill is an Oak/briar forest, going off trail here isn't recommended.
On the Chase Hill Ridge the forest is old and bucolic with a great diversity of large trees. The muscle wood here is large and plentiful.
The flood plains along the Tomquag and Pawcatuck river has a wide variety of forest types ranging from Beech, Maple, Mixed pine, Mixed oak with clethra being a dominant understory plant."

Jim natale

What People Like

Well-marked, easy trails
Scenic river views
Charming bridges

What People Dislike

Confusing map layout

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Grills Preserve is located in Westerly, Rhode Island. While specific public transport options might be limited, driving is the most common way to access it. Check local navigation apps for the best route from your starting point. Reddit

Yes, there are parking areas available for visitors. It's advisable to arrive earlier in the day, especially on weekends, to secure a spot. Reddit

GPS navigation systems are generally reliable for finding Grills Preserve. Inputting 'Grills Preserve, Westerly, RI' should guide you to the main entrance or parking areas. Reddit

Information regarding entrance fees is not readily available, but many preserves of this nature are free to access. It's always a good idea to check the official website or local park authority for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

While trails are marked, some visitors find the map and on-the-ground layout confusing. Using a GPS device or downloading an offline map on your phone is highly recommended for a smoother experience. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Typically, nature preserves like Grills Preserve do not require tickets for entry. Access is usually free, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings. Reddit

Operating hours for Grills Preserve are generally from dawn to dusk, allowing ample time for daytime exploration. It's best to confirm specific hours if you plan a visit during early morning or late evening. Reddit

Grills Preserve is typically open year-round, offering different scenic experiences with each season. However, always check for any temporary closures due to weather or maintenance. Reddit

While specific pet policies can vary, many nature preserves allow dogs on leashes. It's advisable to check local regulations or signage at the preserve for the most accurate information. Reddit

Information on guided tours is not widely available. However, the well-marked trails and informative descriptions of the forest make it easy to explore independently. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Grills Preserve features well-marked trails suitable for easy walking, with minimal vertical rise. You'll find paths along the river, through diverse forests, and to scenic overlooks. Reddit+1

Visitors have reported seeing various animals and flowers, including turtles, salamanders, and numerous birds with interesting songs. The diverse habitats support a rich array of wildlife. Reddit

Information on restroom facilities is not consistently provided. It's recommended to use facilities before your visit or be prepared for a rustic experience. Reddit

Given the natural terrain and some potentially uneven paths, accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs might be limited in certain areas. The main trails are generally easy walking, but it's best to assess conditions upon arrival. Reddit

The charming bridges over the Pawcatuck River and Tomaquag Brooke, the overlook at Big Hill, and the old-growth forest on Chase Hill Ridge offer excellent photo opportunities. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Grills Preserve is a natural area and does not typically have on-site dining facilities. Visitors usually bring their own food and drinks for a picnic. Reddit

The nearest dining options will be in the town of Westerly, Rhode Island. You can find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and eateries there. Reddit

Picnicking is generally permitted in nature preserves. It's a great way to enjoy the scenery. Remember to pack out all your trash to keep the preserve clean. Reddit

It is unlikely that there are food vendors at Grills Preserve, as it is primarily a natural conservation area. Plan to bring your own provisions. Reddit

Westerly offers a range of dining, from casual cafes and pizza places to seafood restaurants and more upscale dining experiences. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the best natural light for photography, especially for landscape shots of the river and forests. Reddit

Popular subjects include the scenic bridges, the diverse forest landscapes, wildlife, and the historical cemetery. The overlook at Big Hill also provides great panoramic shots. Reddit+1

For casual personal photography, a permit is usually not required. However, if you plan on commercial photography or large-scale shoots, it's advisable to check with the local authorities. Reddit

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for landscapes and details. A macro lens can be useful for capturing small wildlife and flowers, and a wide-angle lens is perfect for the expansive views from Big Hill. Reddit

Drone usage is often restricted in natural areas and parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's crucial to check local regulations before flying a drone. Reddit

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